Tips & Advice: Tips for Selecting Waterproof Bedding

Absorbent Mattress Protection

Today, you have many great waterproof products to choose from to keep you-and your mattress-dry. They're all aimed at reducing mattress damage and excessive laundry. Waterproof products are not just for bedwetting. They're great for anyone with incontinence, pet owners, camps and rental properties-anytime you want to protect expensive bedding and provide a clean and dry sleeping environment.

A waterproof mattress pad provides absorbency as well as moisture protection. Some pads will hold up to 6 cups of fluid. We offer several styles of mattress pads to choose from. Each style is super absorbent, has a comfortable top, a middle waterproof barrier to repel liquid and a full-elasticized skirt. These mattress pads protect against bacteria, which can degrade fabric and lead to odors and stains. Placing the waterproof barrier, made of either vinyl or polyurethane laminate, inside the other layers makes the pads virtually noiseless. When choosing a waterproof mattress pad, the type of waterproof barrier should be considered. Both vinyl and polyurethane are waterproof but only the polyurethane barrier is breathable. Practically, this means that polyurethane does not reflect body heat and therefore, is cooler to sleep on. For adults who produce a lot of body heat, having a breathable barrier layer may be worth a few additional dollars.

A second factor to consider when choosing a waterproof mattress pad is the number and type of absorbent layers. A standard pad has three layers, the top absorbent one, the barrier layer and a bottom layer. The four layer cotton top pad has an additional top layer of fine cotton, which enhances the appearance and adds comfort. The four layer plush Beautyrest Pad has a breathable polyurethane barrier, as well as a thick absorbent top layer. (See our waterproof bedding comparison chart for an easy guide to bedding selection.)

Vinyl Mattress Protection

Zippered vinyl covers protect your mattress from fluids, odors and dust mites and protect you from allergens that reside inside the mattress. This is an inexpensive way to add years of life to your mattress, while locking out moisture. The zippered covers surround the entire mattress or pillow and are specially treated to retard the growth of mildew and mold. They are easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Standard 3-gauge covers are a great value and meet everyday needs. For heavy-duty institutional quality covers, choose the thicker 6-gauge vinyl.

Mattress Overlays (Underpads) for Sheet Protection

While a waterproof mattress pad is essential to protect the mattress, consider purchasing a waterproof mattress overlay to sleep on to absorb small to medium accidents. Overlays are quilted, soft pieces of fabric with a waterproof layer that protect the sheets from moisture. They come in different sizes to fit your bed. The saddle style mattress overlay, best suited for twin or full mattresses, has side flaps that tuck between your mattress and box spring to hold the pad in place. Mattress overlays can be machine washed and dried and can decrease the overall laundry burden significantly.

Premium Mattress Covers

We're pleased to be carrying the same Premium mattress covers that are being used by upscale hotels. This revolutionary product provides lightweight, waterproof, breathable bed protection that can be laundered and dried in the same load as the sheets. The thin terry cotton top layer is comfortable and attractive, while the breathable polyurethane layer is noiseless. The user is often unaware that this is even a waterproof product! The premium covers come in a full range of sizes and even come in comfortable, breathable zippered pillow covers.

Choosing the right products for your family can be somewhat confusing! Please look at our waterproof bedding comparison chart to compare the various products. We strive to carry a full line of waterproof products to meet your needs, no matter what they may be.